The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has destroyed heaps of illicit drugs weighing about 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances seized across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo state.
While disclosing this on its official website on Saturday 12 April 2025, NDLEA, stated that up to date the seizures are the largest volume to be set ablaze in the history of the Agency.
According to the Agency, the public destruction of the illicit substances which was conducted at an isolated location at Ipara, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun state was witnessed by representatives of government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, other security agencies, international partners, NGOs and community leaders, among others.
“Some of the illicit drugs destroyed include 123 kilograms of cocaine; 46.8 kilograms of heroin; 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis; 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup; 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol; 1,544 kilograms of skuchies; and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine, among others,” it stated.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the exercise is a testament to the Agency’s steadfast commitment to tackling the scourge of drug trafficking in the country.
“The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6 million kilograms, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operates under a clear mandate to reduce these narcotics to rubble. At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence”, he noted.
He further warned drug trafficking dealers of a new tide, stressing there would be no breathing space for drug pushers in Nigeria.
In his words, “To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace.
“At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law. In the past four years, we have successfully prosecuted and got convicted 10,572 such offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.”
Meanwhile, he expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo for their support for the Commands and operations of the Agency in their respective states.
The NDLEA boss who was represented at the occasion by the Agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, justified the public destruction of the confiscated drugs.
“The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability. By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking. This exercise is not merely symbolic—it is forensic, grounded in evidence. Random laboratory tests are carried out to confirm the authenticity of the seized items. The substances are destroyed with the approval of the court after the cases linked to them have been brought to closure, following arrests and successful prosecution”, he added.
